The executive summary is usually contained on a single sheet of paper at the front of your business plan – it summarises what you intend to do, plus why, when and how. It should also be interesting enough to draw the reader in! But as the summary page captures the essence of the whole document, it needs careful thought and should be written last of all, when all other sections have been completed. If you don't do this, there's a risk that the summary won’t match up with the rest of your plan.

It's a good idea, too, to have someone not familiar with your project to read the executive summary - and the whole plan, if possible - and give constructive criticism.